Two Ohio State football players named ESPN preseason All-Americans

Two Ohio State players continue to receive preseason recognition on the offensive side of the ball, and that continued with ESPN unveiling its preseason college football All-American team last week. The "worldwide leader" only selected a First and Second Team, with special teams included, so it was an exclusive group. Eli Lederman and Max Olson only went into detail with the First Team.

The Buckeyes are expected to have one of the best offenses in the country this year with so much returning production, and it's that side of the ball that saw players named by ESPN. As you would expect, quarterback Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith were the two players that made the cut.

"A compelling case can be made that Ohio State's star pass catcher is the best all-around player in college football entering the season, regardless of position. Smith recorded 87 catches for 1,243 yards and 12 touchdowns last fall and returns for his junior season on the heels of back-to-back first-team All-America selections. Equipped with an elite combination of speed, explosiveness, and size at 6-foot-3, Smith is a matchup nightmare for opposing defensive coordinators, a go-to target for Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin and one of the top prospects in the 2027 NFL draft class for good reason. No current FBS pass catcher has logged more receiving yards (2,258) and touchdowns (27) than Smith since the start of the 2024 campaign."

Even the most casual fan knows about Smith. Widely considered the best player in the country despite what the awards say, Smith has already put together two of the best seasons we've ever seen a wide receiver do. So far, he has totaled 163 receptions for 2,558 yards (15.7 avg.) and 27 touchdowns. He's also rushed for two scores. He is expected to have another huge year and is closing in on breaking some of the biggest all-time receiving records in Columbus.

"Sayin took over as the Buckeyes' starter a year ago and immediately established himself as one of the best quarterbacks in the country. Prolifically accurate -- his FBS-best 77% completion percentage last fall ranks third in NCAA history -- Sayin threw for 3,610 yards and 42 touchdowns and flashed situational poise in his debut season. His third-down passing conversion rate of 47.8% trailed only those of USC's Jayden Maiava (48.5%) and Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza (48.1%) among FBS quarterbacks with at least 250 attempts, per ESPN Research. Sayin will be tested by a more challenging schedule and a new system under offensive coordinator Arthur Smith this fall. But supported by elite pass catchers (see: Jeremiah Smith) and a promising running game, Sayin should be even better in 2026."

Sayin is a known commodity as well as a returning Heisman Finalist from his sensational freshman campaign, where he led the country in passing accuracy, throwing for 3,610 yards on 301-of-391 attempts (77%). He tossed 32 touchdowns to just eight interceptions. He should be even better with a year of seasoning under his belt.

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This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Two Ohio State football players named ESPN preseason All-Americans